The tradition of awarding the No. 18 jersey to a player who stands out as a leader will continue under LSU coach Brian Kelly.
IKelly, who already awarded the No. 7 jersey to Kayshon Boutte,
said that the team has had discussions about the significance of No. 18.
"I think the tradition is real and it needs to continue,
" Kelly said. "If we think that No. 7 is the most talented player from the state of Louisiana,
we think that No. 18 is that player that leads in an extraordinary manner — has great focus,
represents your program in a positive way both in the classroom in the community and on the field.
We're going to award it to a deserving player —we're just not going to do that today. But it's coming."
Last season, senior punter Avery Atkins and linebacker Damone Clark wore the number.
In the past, No. 7 has gone to the most talented player on the LSU roster,
but it was never a clearly requirement to be from the state of Louisiana. Last year,
it was awarded to Baton Rouge-native Derek Stingley Jr. , while the year before it went to Tennessee-native JaCoby Stevens.